OH, THE THINGS THAT MONEY CAN BUY!
Can You Hear Me Now?
You´re talking to someone, you hear three little beeps, and then the signal on your cell phone goes bye-bye. Now there´s a solution to cell-phone fickleness: consumers can purchase antennas and amplifiers previously only made for commercial buildings for their homes. These devices boost weak cell-phone signals and reduce the number of dreaded dead spots. Two Web sites that sell the equipment are www.alternativewireless.com and www.wpsantennas.com. The Federal Trade Commission cautions buyers to verify that the products are approved by them and made by legitimate manufacturers before purchase.
Crafts for a GOOD Cause
During her July visit to South Africa, First Lady Laura Bush was seen wearing a beaded red AIDS ribbon pin. This was no ordinary piece of jewelry. It was hand-beaded by members of the Mothers´ Programmes, a coalition of HIV-positive South African women. The mothers, who are the primary breadwinners for their families, have achieved financial independence by selling their craftwork internationally. To date, the proceeds have empowered 100 workers to buy their own homes. The most expensive items are the cell phone cases, which sell for $20, a bargain when you consider each one takes three days to create. Their products, including bracelets, ID lanyards and bookmarks, are available at givegain.com.
—Danielle Bullen
